In Loving Memory of Christopher Martin Romsland

Christopher Martin Romsland, lovingly known as Chris, 55, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on May 27, 2025. He was born in Fargo, North Dakota, on October 9, 1969, to Linda and Richard Romsland, and was the older brother to Ryan. Chris moved to Kansas City with his family at just six weeks old and proudly called it home for the rest of his life.

Chris graduated from Park Hill High School, where he formed lifelong friendships and began to build the warm, generous spirit that would define him. He went on to attend the University of Missouri, where he was a proud member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Chris cherished his time at Mizzou, making unbreakable bonds and memories that stayed with him always.

Known for his easy smile and boundless kindness, Chris never met a stranger. He had a natural way of connecting with others, always stopping to talk—whether with an old friend, a coworker, or a fellow parent at the soccer field. He made people feel seen, heard, and valued.

After college, Chris began working at J&S Tool, the family business of his childhood best friend. He dedicated 16 years to the company before it was sold, then stayed on as branch manager with the new ownership until 2016. He later worked for several more businesses owned by former classmates, continuing to surround himself with people who knew and cared for him. Chris brought loyalty, hard work, and integrity to every role he stepped into.

In March of 1997, Chris married the love of his life, Becky. Together they created a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. He was a devoted husband and a proud father to four children: Lilly, Sophie, Emery, and Maddox. Later, he became “Poppy” to two grandchildren, Colton and Wren—a title he held with deep joy and pride.
Chris’s kids were his entire life, and everything he did was for them. Their happiness and well-being were always his top priority, and he found his greatest joy in being their dad.

Chris had a lifelong love of soccer, playing in his youth and later coaching his daughters’ teams with enthusiasm and patience. He also had a passion for ‘80s metal music—his playlists became the soundtrack to family road trips and late-night laughs, and he especially loved listening to music while playing outside with his kids.

Chris gave so much of himself to others, often at the expense of his own well-being. He struggled with alcoholism, using it to cope with the stress and pain he carried silently. He never asked for help—not because he didn’t want to get better, but because he didn’t want anyone else to worry. He made sure everyone around him was taken care of before himself.

His story is a powerful reminder that mental health—especially men’s mental health—matters. Asking for help is not a burden; it’s brave. Chris’s life was filled with love, generosity, and quiet strength. His struggles were real, but they do not define him—they are simply part of a deeply human story of someone who loved fiercely and gave all he had to the people in his life.

Chris was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Romsland; his in-laws, Pam and John Denney; and his favorite dog and loyal companion, Charlie.

He is survived by his father, Richard Romsland; his brother, Ryan Romsland, and Ryan’s children, Ava and Aiden; his brother- and sister-in-law, Chad, and Heather Karns, and their children, Jake and Dakota; and his brother- and sister-in-law, Matthew and Deanne Denney, and their sons, Austin, Spencer, and Braeden. Above all, he leaves behind his beloved wife, Becky; his children and sons-in-law, Lilly (Colin), Sophie (Shannon), Emery, and Maddox; and his grandchildren, Colton and Wren.

He leaves a legacy of compassion, resilience, and unconditional love. His presence will be profoundly missed, but his spirit lives on in every life he touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to Children’s Mercy Hospital. This cause was especially close to Chris’s heart, as his daughters were frequently treated there and his son Maddox received exceptional care from their NICU team after his early delivery. Donations made in Chris’s name will honor his legacy and support the well-being of children and families in need.

The family will gather for a private celebration of Chris’s life to honor the incredible man he was.

https://support.childrensmercy.org/give/280980/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=na&c_src2=website